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Micro Isotope Power Sources (MIPS)
Program Manager: Dr. Sanjay Raman
Long lasting micro power sources are critical for a large array of military unattended sensor applications, including perimeter defense networks, detection of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and environmental protection sensors. The Micro Isotope Power Sources (MIPS) program is investigating a range of approaches to achieving compact, mW-level power sources, including alphavoltaic, betavoltaic, and thermoelectric strategies.
The goal of the MIPS program is to demonstrate safe, affordable MIPS that outperform conventional batteries in terms of energy density by as much as 10,000x. Specific program objectives include (1) 35 mW of continuous power output, (2) size < 1 cm<sup>3</sup>, (3) <1% self-induced radiological degradation per year in power output, and (4) <500 mrems/year radiation leakage at 30 cm.
The program has three 6-month phases and is scheduled to fully complete in late 2008.